Wow! eBook
Musical Instruments and Sound-Producing Objects of Oceania: The collections of the Australian Museum New Edition
Author(s): Michael Atherton (Author)
- Publisher: Peter Lang AG, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften
- Publication Date: 11 April 2011
- Edition: New
- Language: English
- Print length: 164 pages
- ISBN-10: 3034306180
- ISBN-13: 9783034306188
Book Description
This book contributes to our knowledge and awareness of musical instruments and sound-producing objects in the region called Oceania. The author uses principles of organology to describe a research project at the Australian Museum. He explains the classification, provenance and cultural significance of diverse objects that were individually examined and measured.
Four main sections are reflecting the regions of Oceania: Indigenous Australia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musical instruments and sound-producing objects reveal a great diversity, as do the instruments in the Melanesian section, in particular Papua and New Guinea; some objects being exquisitely designed and crafted. The Polynesian section includes objects collected on the voyages of Captain James Cook, as well as different types of flute. By combining introductory essays with quality photographs and a numbered catalogue of basic nomenclature, vernacular names and dimensions, the book constitutes a valuable resource.
Four main sections are reflecting the regions of Oceania: Indigenous Australia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musical instruments and sound-producing objects reveal a great diversity, as do the instruments in the Melanesian section, in particular Papua and New Guinea; some objects being exquisitely designed and crafted. The Polynesian section includes objects collected on the voyages of Captain James Cook, as well as different types of flute. By combining introductory essays with quality photographs and a numbered catalogue of basic nomenclature, vernacular names and dimensions, the book constitutes a valuable resource.
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Michael Atherton is a Professor of Music at the University of Western Sydney. He is a composer, multi-instrumental performer and ethnomusicologist with expertise in Australian musical instruments and Asia-Pacific musical identities. His numerous recordings include creative realizations of ancient Egyptian music, cross-cultural collaborations, film scores, and electro-acoustic improvisations.
